Cloudbeds HMS vs. HotelRunner HMS: Which Is Right for You?

Updated May 16, 2026  ·  1,428 verified reviews analyzed

TLDR

We analyzed 1,428 verified hotelier reviews, compared feature sets, pricing, and real-world case studies to break down where each platform delivers. The right choice depends on your property type and priorities:

Cloudbeds shines when it comes to intuitiveness and ease of use — especially for brand properties (4.5/5) , with exclusive features like Mobile optimized/responsive and Revenue management module.

HotelRunner shines , with exclusive features like Native Email Marketing.

See the full breakdown below ↓

How Does Cloudbeds HMS Compare to HotelRunner HMS?

Side-by-side ratings based on 1,428 verified hotelier reviews on HTR.

HTScore
100
0
Likelihood to Recommend
91%
98%
Ease of Use
4.6/5
4.6/5
Customer Support
4.4/5
4.5/5
Value for Money
4.3/5
4.6/5
Starting Price From $500/mo From $100/mo
Verified Reviews 1,414 14

What Are the Pros and Cons of Cloudbeds HMS vs HotelRunner HMS?

After analyzing 1,428 verified reviews, Cloudbeds users most value its intuitiveness and ease of use, automation and efficiency, reservations and channel management, while HotelRunner users highlight . Click any theme to see what reviewers say.

Cloudbeds Cloudbeds HotelRunner HotelRunner
Pros
+ Intuitiveness and Ease of Use
+ Automation and Efficiency
+ Reservations and Channel Management
+ Reporting and Analytics
Cons
Reservation Flexibility and Editing
Currency Conversion and Financial Operations
Mobile Functionality

Cloudbeds vs HotelRunner: Rankings by Hotel Segment

How each product ranks among Hotel Management Software vendors for different property sizes, types, and regions — based on verified reviews from hoteliers in each segment.

By Hotel Size

Segment Cloudbeds Cloudbeds HotelRunner HotelRunner
Small (10-24 rooms) #2 675 reviews #26 7 reviews
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #1 235 reviews #25 1 reviews
Large (75-199 rooms) #1 51 reviews #18 0 reviews
X-Large (200+ rooms) #4 5 reviews #23 0 reviews

By Property Type

Segment Cloudbeds Cloudbeds HotelRunner HotelRunner
Boutique #1 546 reviews #20 11 reviews
Luxury #3 245 reviews #24 2 reviews
Branded / Chain #2 145 reviews #30 0 reviews
Extended Stay #2 96 reviews #30 0 reviews

By Region

Segment Cloudbeds Cloudbeds HotelRunner HotelRunner
North America #2 532 reviews #27 0 reviews
Europe #4 166 reviews #22 2 reviews
Asia Pacific #3 201 reviews #16 1 reviews
Middle East #3 13 reviews #2 6 reviews

The Decision

Choosing between Cloudbeds HMS and HotelRunner HMS hinges on your hotel’s specific operational needs and growth plans. Both products aim to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences, but Cloudbeds offers a more extensive feature set and larger user base, especially in recent months. With over 1,200 reviews and a high NPS score, Cloudbeds demonstrates a proven track record of customer satisfaction. Conversely, HotelRunner’s simpler platform may appeal to smaller hotels seeking cost-effective, straightforward management.

While Cloudbeds excels in integration and scalability, HotelRunner may suffice for properties prioritizing basic functions at a lower price point. Which product aligns better with your hotel’s current stage and ambitions?

Is Cloudbeds HMS or HotelRunner HMS Better for Hotels?

Cloudbeds offers a comprehensive all-in-one platform with nearly 80 features exclusive to its system, including PMS connectivity, analytics dashboards, revenue management, and a booking engine. HotelRunner, with only three unique features and a smaller partner network, provides core reservation management and online visibility tools. Both products manage reservations and automate tasks, but Cloudbeds’ extensive capabilities support larger, growing hotels with complex needs.

Cloudbeds’s unified platform reduces the need for multiple systems, streamlining daily operations at scale. HotelRunner’s simpler interface may be a better fit for small hotels with limited management requirements. Do you need a broad, integrated system or a straightforward reservation platform?

Cloudbeds vs HotelRunner: Which Should Your Hotel Choose?

If your hotel needs a full-featured PMS integrated with channel management, revenue tools, and automation, Cloudbeds is the clear choice. Its large review base and recent positive feedback show it’s trusted by properties of all sizes, especially boutiques, hostels, and resorts aiming for growth.

If your property is small, with basic reservation and online visibility needs, HotelRunner could be sufficient, especially given its lower starting price and native marketing tools like email marketing and POS. For properties planning to expand or needing advanced reporting and integrations, Cloudbeds’s richer feature set is more suitable.

Are you focused on growth and operational efficiency? Or do you just need simple reservation management?

Is Cloudbeds or HotelRunner Easier to Use?

Cloudbeds boasts a user-friendly interface with an average ease-of-use rating of 4.58/5, praised for quick onboarding and staff adoption. Reviewers highlight its intuitive navigation, which helps reduce training times and simplifies complex tasks like channel management and revenue optimization.

HotelRunner scores slightly higher at 4.64/5, with users appreciating its straightforward design and efficiency. Its platform is praised for enabling hotels to control reservations and simplify daily operations. Edge: HotelRunner.

Which Has Better Features: Cloudbeds or HotelRunner?

Cloudbeds’s platform includes over 78 features exclusive to its system, such as multi-lingual support, online check-in, automated night audits, housekeep mobile apps, and advanced revenue management tools. HotelRunner offers only three features unique to its platform, mainly native email marketing, POS, and gift vouchers.

While both systems share 12 core features, Cloudbeds’s extensive feature count and deeper operational tools give it a significant advantage. If your hotel requires comprehensive management capabilities, Cloudbeds is the clear winner. Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Has Better Customer Support: Cloudbeds or HotelRunner?

Cloudbeds has a strong reputation for customer support, rated 4.38/5, with recent reviews emphasizing quick, attentive responses. Users appreciate their support team’s responsiveness, with comments like, “They got everything I need and respond immediately.”

HotelRunner’s support rating of 4.5/5 indicates solid performance, with reviews praising its helpfulness. However, Cloudbeds’s larger user base and detailed feedback make its support slightly more reliable. Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Has More Integrations: Cloudbeds or HotelRunner?

Cloudbeds boasts over 190 verified partners, including major OTAs, payment processors, property management, and revenue systems. Shared integrations include Expedia, Airbnb, Stripe, and others, with Cloudbeds offering unique integrations like Cloudbeds itself, Trevo, and Umi Digital.

HotelRunner has 17 verified partners, mostly within the hospitality and POS sectors, with fewer external integrations. For seamless operations across multiple channels and partners, Cloudbeds’s extensive network offers a broader reach. Edge: Cloudbeds.

Which Do Hoteliers Rate Higher: Cloudbeds or HotelRunner?

Cloudbeds’s overall rating of 4.62/5 and recent reviews from diverse property types—boutiques, hostels, resorts—show widespread satisfaction. Properties like The ZERO Hotels and Yugo praise its ease of use, automation, and revenue growth capabilities, reflecting positive recent feedback.

HotelRunner’s perfect 5/5 ratings from its small sample size highlight user satisfaction but lack the depth and volume of Cloudbeds’ reviews. Cloudbeds’s larger, more recent review base indicates a stronger, more consistent reputation. Edge: Cloudbeds.

How Much Do Cloudbeds and HotelRunner Cost?

Cloudbeds’s pricing starts at $500/month, with no free tier or trial, reflecting its enterprise-level capabilities. HotelRunner’s basic plan begins at $100/month, offering a lower entry point, but lacks detailed pricing for advanced features.

Pricing reflects the scope and complexity of each platform. For hotels seeking a full-featured system with extensive integrations, Cloudbeds’s higher cost is justified; smaller properties may prefer HotelRunner’s affordability.

What Type of Hotel Should Use Cloudbeds?

  • Hotels that need a scalable, all-in-one platform with extensive features.
  • Properties aiming for automation and revenue management.
  • Hotels planning to grow geographically or operationally.
  • Teams that prefer integrated booking, PMS, and channel management.
  • Hotels that value detailed reporting and multi-lingual support.

Not ideal if:

  • You operate a small property with minimal management needs.
  • Budget constraints limit investment in a full platform.
  • Your team prefers a simple, lightweight reservation system.

What Type of Hotel Should Use HotelRunner?

  • Small hotels or boutique properties needing an easy-to-use solution.
  • Hotels focusing on online visibility and direct bookings.
  • Properties with limited operational complexity and staff resources.
  • Hotels that want native marketing tools like email marketing and POS.

Not ideal if:

  • You require advanced revenue management or extensive integrations.
  • Your property is large or expanding rapidly.
  • You need a highly customizable or multi-property platform.

Cloudbeds vs HotelRunner: The Bottom Line for Hotels

Cloudbeds’s core advantage is its expansive feature set and proven reliability across diverse property types, especially in recent, high-volume reviews. Its ability to serve hotels at every stage—from boutique to resort—makes it a versatile choice for growth-focused hoteliers.

Choose Cloudbeds if you need a comprehensive, scalable management system that supports automation, integrations, and advanced revenue tools. Its extensive reviews and recent customer satisfaction cement its status as the top recommendation.

Opt for HotelRunner if your hotel prioritizes ease of use, affordability, and basic online presence management. Its simplicity and native marketing features are ideal for small hotels seeking straightforward daily operations.

In summary, Cloudbeds is the superior choice for most hotels seeking a robust management platform with proven performance, while HotelRunner suits smaller properties with limited needs or tighter budgets.

How Much Do Cloudbeds HMS and HotelRunner HMS Cost?

Hotel Management Software pricing is rarely straightforward. Here is what we know from each vendor's public pricing data. Always request a custom quote for your property size.

Cloudbeds Cloudbeds HotelRunner HotelRunner
Starting Price From $500/mo From $100/mo

Which Features Does Cloudbeds HMS Have That HotelRunner HMS Doesn't (and Vice Versa)?

According to HTR's product database, Cloudbeds HMS and HotelRunner HMS share 12 features. Here are the key differences — features one has that the other lacks.

Feature Cloudbeds Cloudbeds HotelRunner HotelRunner
2-way real time integrations
Analytics dashboard
Centralized user & role management
Gift Vouchers
Inventory Management
Multi-lingual
Native Email Marketing
PMS connectivity
Point of Sale

Showing top differences. 69 more features differ between these products.

Real-World Results: Cloudbeds vs HotelRunner by Business Goal

We analyzed 8 verified case studies to compare what hotels actually achieve with each platform across four key business objectives.

Increase Revenue & Reduce Costs
Cloudbeds Himmapana Villas Mid-Size
+ Growth in direct bookings: the combination of a strong social media presence and an effective online booking and payment system has led to a significant increase in direct bookings.
+ Operational efficiency: the adoption of a simple yet effective hotel management system has streamlined day-to-day operations, efficiently handling over 2,000 bookings annually, including special guest requests.
+ Remote management flexibility: the use of a cloud-based platform allows for the convenient remote management of the property, enabling operations to be handled effectively both on-site and during travel.

"I have not worked with a company that has such good customer service as Cloudbeds has. It's miles ahead."

Thomas K. Petersen
Thomas K. Petersen
Managing Partner
HotelRunner HotelRunner

No published case study for this goal yet.

Increase Operational Efficiency
Cloudbeds Flor Parks Small
+ 17% increase in online reviews
+ 11% of monthly bookings from Google Free Listings
+ Fully integrated booking engine & channel manager

"The biggest benefit of Cloudbeds' platform is its flexibility. I can access reporting online from anywhere. Everything is smoother with Cloudbeds."

V
Victor Menor
Operations Manager
HotelRunner HotelRunner

No published case study for this goal yet.

Improve Guest Experience
Cloudbeds The Pad Silverthorne Small
+ 60% direct bookings in year one
+ 95% guest rating with 1000+ reviews
+ High OTA click-through rates, with lower cancellation rates

"Cloudbeds is like if Apple made a property management system. The ease of use is super simple and straightforward for guests and our staff. It’s very intuitive and just makes sense..."

Kevin Bowen
Kevin Bowen
Director of Operations
HotelRunner HotelRunner

No published case study for this goal yet.

Cloudbeds vs HotelRunner: The Bottom Line

Cloudbeds
Cloudbeds
4.6/5 from 1,414 reviews

What hoteliers love

Intuitiveness and Ease of Use 94% positive

Cloudbeds is consistently praised for its user-friendly interface, which helps quick onboarding and reduces training times. Even users new to hotel ma... Cloudbeds is consistently praised for its user-friendly interface, which helps quick onboarding and reduces training times. Even users new to hotel management software find it intuitive, making operations smoother and more consistent for staff across the board.

Automation and Efficiency 88% positive

The platform's automation tools significantly enhance daily operations, automating repetitive tasks like rate updates and payment processing. This not... The platform's automation tools significantly enhance daily operations, automating repetitive tasks like rate updates and payment processing. This not only saves time but also minimizes human errors, resulting in increased productivity and a focus on improving guest experiences.

Reservations and Channel Management 100% positive

Cloudbeds excels in integrating reservations and channel management, centralizing OTA distributions while reducing overbookings and errors. Users appr... Cloudbeds excels in integrating reservations and channel management, centralizing OTA distributions while reducing overbookings and errors. Users appreciate the streamlined handling of bookings and distribution, which boosts operational efficiency and helps in maintaining optimal occupancy rates.

Where hoteliers push back

Reservation Flexibility and Editing 75% negative

The ability to edit and restructure reservations is seen as area for improvement, with users desiring more flexibility. Suggestions include splitting... The ability to edit and restructure reservations is seen as area for improvement, with users desiring more flexibility. Suggestions include splitting bookings or rearranging stays, which would better accommodate real-time changes such as guest extensions or cancellations.

Currency Conversion and Financial Operations 75% negative

Concerns are noted regarding the precision of currency conversion, especially in multi-currency operations. Users have highlighted discrepancies which... Concerns are noted regarding the precision of currency conversion, especially in multi-currency operations. Users have highlighted discrepancies which affect reconciliation processes. Enhanced configurations for currency conversion could simplify financial management.

Ranks higher for

Large (75-199 rooms) #1 vs #18
Mid-Size (25-74 rooms) #1 vs #25
Small (10-24 rooms) #2 vs #26
X-Large (200+ rooms) #4 vs #23

Unique capabilities

PMS connectivity Analytics dashboard Inventory Management 2-way real time integrations Centralized user & role management
4.6/5 ease of use 4.4/5 support 189 integrations
Visit Website
HotelRunner
HotelRunner
4.9/5 from 14 reviews

Unique capabilities

Point of Sale Gift Vouchers Native Email Marketing
4.6/5 ease of use 4.5/5 support 17 integrations
Visit Profile

Where the ratings diverge most

Overall Rating HotelRunner 5.0 vs 4.6 (+0.4)

Frequently Asked Questions About Cloudbeds HMS vs HotelRunner HMS

Can Cloudbeds HMS replace HotelRunner HMS?

It depends on your requirements. Cloudbeds HMS and HotelRunner HMS share many core Hotel Management Software features, but each has unique capabilities. Cloudbeds HMS offers 189 verified integration partners, while HotelRunner HMS offers 17. Review the feature comparison above to see where they differ before switching.

Which is better for small or independent hotels?

Small hotels should prioritize ease of use and fast onboarding. Cloudbeds HMS leads in ease of use at 4.6/5 vs 4.6/5. Look for transparent pricing and a trial or demo option. Filter reviews on each product page by property size to hear from hotels like yours.

Do Cloudbeds HMS or HotelRunner HMS offer a free plan?

Cloudbeds HMS: No. HotelRunner HMS: No. Neither product currently offers a free tier. Most Hotel Management Software vendors offer demos or trials — request one from each to evaluate before committing.

How Does HTR Evaluate and Rank Cloudbeds HMS and HotelRunner HMS?

The HT Score is a composite ranking that considers 4 criteria groups and over a dozen variables to help hoteliers objectively compare hotel technology products. Cloudbeds has an HT Score of 100 and HotelRunner has 0. Here is how the score is calculated.

Criteria Group Weight What It Measures
Customer Ratings & Reviews

How highly do users recommend this product?

Ratings Score, Review Volume, Share of Voice, Review Depth, Review Recency, Success Stories

The most heavily weighted factor. Analyzes average satisfaction ratings (likelihood to recommend, ease of use, support, ROI), total review count relative to category peers, review recency (at least 20 reviews in the trailing 6 months), and share of voice across unique hotel clients to detect selection bias.

Partner Ecosystem

How highly do tech partners recommend this company?

Partner Recommendations, Integration Quantity, Integration Quality

Evaluates partner recommendations as expert votes of confidence, the number of verified integrations, and ecosystem quality — the average HT Scores of integration partners. Products with higher-quality integration ecosystems are more likely to deliver a connected tech stack.

Customer Centricity

How customer-centric is this organization?

Certified Support, Review Consistency, Profile Completeness

Assesses whether the company has earned HTR Customer Support Certification, maintains consistent review collection over time (an indicator of feedback-driven culture), and keeps product profiles complete with capabilities, screenshots, pricing, and features.

Reach, Staying Power & Resources

How extensive is this company's reach and resourcing?

Geographic Reach, Staying Power, Company Resources, Trending Score

Measures global presence (countries and regions served), years in business as a stability proxy, team headcount as a resource proxy, and a trending score based on trailing-twelve-month buyer inquiries, reviews, partner recommendations, and press activity.

Customer ratings and reviews are by far the most important factor in the HT Score algorithm. HTR does not accept payment for higher rankings. All reviews are verified — only hotel industry practitioners with confirmed affiliations can submit ratings. View full HT Score methodology →

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